€58m release clause
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Whilst many of the headlines around this young exciting Spain team who have started Euro 2024 so strongly usually surround 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, on the other wing it was Nico Williams who was the star of the show in the 1-0 win against Italy. It was Williams’ cross that was turned into his own net by defender Riccardo Calafiori for the goal. The 21 year old has enjoyed a superb season with Athletic Club, where he scored five La Liga goals, and provided 14 assists – the joint most in the entire division.
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The electric winger has been linked with a move to a host of top sides this summer including Premier League teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle. As well as Spanish giants Barcelona. He currently boasts a market value of €60m, but has a reported release clause of just €58m active this summer. But just how good is Williams? And what kind of player can we expect? With our expert insight from Spain, here at Transfermarkt we have you covered.
How good is Nico Williams?
Iván Turmo is Transfermarkt’s Area manager in Spain and has watched the development of Williams closely. He explains the impact the young Spaniard is making in La Liga, “Nico Williams is one of the most disruptive players in La Liga and one of the best wingers in international football at the moment. Strong, tremendously fast, and when dribbling he can come out from both sides without a problem.” This versatility and ability to go around the opposing full-back on both sides are vital attributes for top level wingers in the modern game.
Turmo continues, “He recently renewed his contract with Athletic Club until 2027, after his old contract ended this summer and the rumours about his future have been constant. The most valuable player of the Basque club raised more speculation about his future when he allowed the team to extend his release clause, which until then was €50m. Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, the new figure is €58m.” That figure could represent a real bargain for a potential suitor this summer. He is currently the seventh most valuable left winger in the world at €60m market value. The only Premier League players in that position worth more are Luis Díaz (€75m), Gabriel Martinelli (€70m), and Jérémy Doku (€65m).
“Williams has finished his fourth season at Athletic Club and is an essential player for coach Ernesto Valverde.” Turmo explained. “His progress has been dazzling, and he has already played in the World Cup in Qatar, where he played four games. After his good start in the European Championship, it seems that Athletic will have problems retaining him this summer, although the player already refused to leave the club when Aston Villa was willing to pay the €50m previously.” It does seem as though the only way Athletic Club can keep Williams this summer will be if the player himself wants to stay. At 21 years old, and with the world at his feet, he may feel now is the time to move on.
Who could Nico Williams sign for this summer?
“I’m very happy at Athletic [Club],” Williams proudly said with his chest when asked about his future recently. “It’s the club that has given me everything, the one that has bet on me 100%. It’s my home. I’m very happy.” Nevertheless, he did inadvertently admit that there’s a chance his future could lye away from the San Mamés stadium next season: “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I have told my agent that I don’t want to know anything until the end of the European Championship.” And if his performances continue in the same fashion at Euro 2024, there’s likely to be lots of clubs scrapping for his signature.
One team who have been heavily linked with WIlliams is Arsenal. The Athletic reported this month that Arsenal have the winger on their wish list. and Mikel Arteta reportedly sees him as one of his preferred options for a wide player this summer. One area the Gunners need to address this summer is adding more pace to their frontline – something Williams boasts in abundance. At just €58m it could represent a smart signing for the Gunners. Chelsea have also been linked with the 21 year old, and may have been further persuaded to invest after seeing how well he is linking up with Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella in this Spain team. But he could also have other options outside of the Premier League.
Barcelona are also reportedly very interested in Williams. Sporting director Deco wants to sign a winger and he fits the bill as a player who is young, versatile and has the potential to become world-class. Perhaps the affect of the Barca players such as Pedri and Yamal (who has a real bromance with Williams) may be trying to persuade him to join them at the Camp Nou in Germany this summer. There can be little doubt that at €58m (below his market value) and with all the attributes a modern winger needs, Williams offers a real value for money signing.